For Feb. 9, 2018

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1 – If you see more than 25 dead fish, the state wants to know about it.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created new online form for reporting mass fish kills.

The agency says winter weather can create conditions that cause fish and other other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.

The new online form allows people to report fish kills in quantities of 25 or more.

Officials say a fish kill of that size could have more factors involved that require further investigation.

The Sick or Dead Aquatic Species form can be found in the DNR’s Eyes in the Field application at michigan.gov/eyesinthefield.

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2 – A Federal Junior Duck Stamp program uses art and science to teach students in grades K through 12 about the value of wetlands and waterfowl.

By entering the Junior Duck Stamp art contest, students can show off what they’ve learned visually.

Each year, thousands of students across the US enter the contest. In 2017, 230 students in grades K through 12 participated in Michigan.

A total of 100 winners are chosen with one top winner named as the “Best of Show.” The Best of Show’s then compete in a national competition. One image is selected to become the Federal Junior Duck Stamp.

Entries for the Michigan Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest are due by March 15. Artwork must be of a North American duck, goose or swan.

A special awards ceremony is held each spring at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw for first through third place winners. Prizes in past years have included gift certificates, art supplies, backpacks and more.

Registration information can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge’s Junior Duck Stamp Program webpage.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes